Spencer, Iowa (KAYL) — A new study shows the Clay County Fair is more than just a once‑a‑year celebration of fun, tradition, and agriculture. It’s also a major economic engine for northwest Iowa.
According to a 2024 Economic Impact Study conducted by Johnson Consulting, the fair generated $92 million in economic activity in 2024. Nearly 300,000 visitors attended, including about 96,000 out‑of‑town guests who booked an estimated 7,700 hotel room nights in the region. Their spending on lodging, food, shopping, and entertainment directly supported local businesses.
The study found $41.7 million in direct spending tied to the fair, helping sustain 710 jobs and $30.9 million in wages across industries such as hospitality, retail, food service, transportation, and event services. The fair also contributed $2.8 million in sales tax revenue and more than $153,000 in hotel tax revenue, money that supports schools, infrastructure, and community services.
And the impact extends beyond the nine‑day event each September. The Clay County Fair & Events Center hosts more than 300 events year‑round. Combined fair and non‑fair activity in 2024 drew nearly 328,000 visitors and produced $99.2 million in total economic impact, sustaining 760 jobs. Those figures came despite the historic June 2024 flood in Spencer, which disrupted residents, businesses, and scheduled events.
Fair CEO Jason Brockshus says the study proves the fair—known as “The World’s Greatest County Fair” since 1917—is a community asset, supporting local businesses, jobs, and tourism throughout northwest Iowa.The full report, including detailed methodology and data, is available on the Clay County Fair’s website at claycountyfair.com.
Community First Broadcasting Staff Photo
